All the best performers in any field have a coach. Shouldn't you? Mastermind Groups and one-on-one coaching are both available for those interested in partnership and accountability in working on their vision and goals.

Each keynote or workshop session can be customized with relevant examples, anecdotes and solutions to match your audience and your needs. Just ask! If you want Mark to come and speak at your meeting or conference, just e-mail!

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5/27/12

I know so many men who want heaven without dying. However, you will NOT move into that happy and healthy relationship you want just as you are now. You must first decide what you are willing to sacrifice for THAT special partner because, I assure you, there is something great you need to surrender. That is, if you want something great.

Now, I urge you to read this post and then think about it for a moment. I can think of a number of things many men will have to surrender...

Humility must replace pride

Interdependence must replace independence

The need to be "right" must give way to the need to compromise

Self-centered thinking must give way to "us/we" thinking

and on and on...

If you can't think of your sacrifice, pray. Ask the LORD what needs to be put on the altar. Nothing of great value comes cheap...and no sacrifice goes unrewarded. He who finds a wife, finds a good thing still. It will be worth it.Adam had to give up a rib, but he got Eve. And to get Eve, he had to give up a rib. No sacrifice goes unrewarded. What do you need to give up so you can get the greater?

5/25/12

Make PLAN A your only plan...especially if you say God gave you the vision. Most people don’t need a Plan B; they need to fully dedicate themselves to Plan A! How can it be that God’s plan for your life has an alternative? He hasn’t changed His mind. Once you tap into His plan for you, neither should you. Diligence is what most of our plans require, not alternatives.

Be diligent. To quote my Pastor, Thaddeus Eastland, diligence is best defined as "thinking it through, then getting after it and then staying after it." Work as hard as you can. Respond to customers and opportunities quickly. The best ones don't wait for you. Diligence isn't just about working hard, however. It's about rising early and looking for every possible opportunity to achieve a goal – uncovering every rock. The Bible says that "the hand of the diligent makes rich" in Proverbs 10:4. This is just one of the many encouragements in the Bible towards diligence in all that we do.

They say money never sleeps. It does. But it gets up early. This is closely related to the concept of diligence. A word study on diligence uncovers that it carries with it the idea of getting out of bed and getting started early. Personally, I know that my most productive days and "seasons" have been when I've been most intentional about rising and getting to work before everyone else. When I get up late, I often feel like the whole day is close to being wasted. Get up early and get after it. You will be rewarded!

Make joining me on Facebook and subscribing to this blog a part of your plan! Let's progress together!

5/24/12

As I was praying a few weeks ago concerning a few specific things that I feel like I'm lacking (both wants and needs are acceptable to pray for according to Phil 4:6), I was commanded to stop asking and go get them!! Then, as I often do, I asked whether I should share this or was that just for me.

Here's the reality for somebody... I'm giving you permission to go for your desires!! Do you want to start a non-profit? Go for it! Do you want to become a counselor? Start a business? Manufacture a product? Broadcast a television show? Nobody's stopping you but you. You've got permission! What is it that you've been waiting on permission to go do? Stop waiting and go get it!Get your permission slip here ---> LINKY POO and then send me a pic or post it to my Facebook page!! Thank you!!!

5/23/12

"Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage...just twenty seconds of embarrassing bravery... and I promise you something great will come of it." ~We Bought a Zoo

Awesome words. Just awesome. And so true. Courage is a key and here's what I love about it. For most of your most challenging tasks you need courage, but you don't need as much as you think. You think so much about the BIGNESS of the task in front of you and YOU THINK you're not up to it...but...

Here's what you've not remembered: You only need courage for a few seconds! Just long enough to step out on faith. And, yes, you certainly have FIVE SECONDS of courage! For most things between you and your BEST LIFE, twenty seconds of courage is quite enough! That key can open large doors for you this week. It can change your life forever.

Never back down from the challenge standing between you and your future! NEVER! The harsh reality is that your deepest dreams will not come true unless you take some chances. If that doesn't work, just remind yourself of your big WHY. I have a number of reasons to be more courageous...

How about you? Find your reason to be courageous for twenty seconds today and go make a difference!

Oh...and if you aren't subscribing yet, please do and join me on Facebook for daily updates!

5/21/12

Just sitting here reflecting on some things as I work. I should be done with work for the day soon... but I doubt it. I'm pushing myself now because I'm REALLY looking forward to being able to enjoy the Summer. Diligence now. Play later. Some random thoughts rattling around in my head...

1. Read to Lead. What we become depends upon what we read. My life is better when I'm reading something. It energizes me. Every time I start reading something, I notice enough of a change to make me wonder why I don't read more.

2. Stop Quitting. If you want to make real, lasting progress, you have to stop quitting. This is a message I'm working on. "Killing the Spirit of Quit in Your Life"

3. Worry About YOU! My new favorite passage might be John 21:22 but maybe not for the reasons most people would think on first reading. I think I can build an entire presentation on it. I think it holds the a real key to progressing in life and relationships.

4. One is Lonely Number. Most people (especially Christians) will admit to being an alcoholic faster than they will admit to being lonely... yet one is completely natural and the other is a dangerous addiction. We treat people struggling with addictions with sympathy and those who struggle with loneliness like emotional weaklings. Here's a self-test ---> IF YOU DARE!

5. So Much Stupid. There is a staggering amount of stupid stuff posted to Facebook these days. Here's an example. So... it's okay to kiss horses?

Here's another example. Apparently someone feels like it's a good idea for Americans to think even less than we do now...

Our main problem as humans is (and has always been!) that we do too much feeling and too little thinking about where those feelings will take us if not managed better.

6. New Levels Needed. I've reached a point where people expect a certain standard from me. I have to make sure less and less of my stuff falls into the stupid category. Not always easy. Not at all.

5/20/12

I've been really committed to giving more of myself lately! As my pastor so eloquently reminded us weeks ago (and it impacted me deeply), the miracle is in the pouring out, not in the pouring in! (Get with me on my upcoming teleconference and I'll explain more!) Anyway, that's why I'm doing this conference call. To help someone. That's also why I stayed up overnight a couple of weeks ago putting together "The 9 Paths to Prosperity" Free eCourse. (Check it out my signing up on my blog. It will come to your e-mail box over the course of several weeks with a lesson per week. No catches.)

One thing we've got to do is help you get rid of the "Spirit of Quit" - that thing that makes so many people throw in the towel these days and constantly get to a place of needing to start over and start over and start over. Sometimes you need a pat on the back. Sometimes you need a kick in the pants. I aim on providing both - as needed!!

Here's something you can do for me today! I need your help spreading the word! Please remember to leave me your comments so I know how to serve you better!! This also lets other people know you're engaged in what we're doing here. If this was helpful, forward it to a friend. Talk to you soon! Please subscribe and visit me on my Live BIG! Die Empty. Facebook page!!

I've always felt like one of the best qualities a person could have is being what they used to call "magnanimous." They don't really use that word any more. I've always wanted to be that kind of person so I admire it in others. One of my favorite definitions is "to be very generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful than oneself."

It's being forgiving and more than that. It's being generous and it's also more than that even. It's being a big person...as opposed to being a small person. You can hear the words "magnificent" or "magnitude" in it. I love it! It also has the Latin root word "animus" in there, meaning "spirit" which you can hear in the word "animated" for example.

Enough of the nerd hour.

Here's the thing. Magnanimity is rare these days so when you see it, it stands out. This is the person who extends grace where it isn't deserved. This is the person who goes with you two miles when they could have been off the hook with one. They don't take retribution when they have a right to it in the world's eyes. They are great, big and seem to operate above common standards. This is being magnanimous.

Why should you care? You should care because you have never seen a small person rise to great heights. It's almost as if the entire universe conspires against petty people to entrap them in cages of their own making. On the other hand, I want you to be big, a GIANT! I want you to grow into everything you were meant to be. The only way it's going to happen is if you decide to live above your circumstances, expectations and common ways of doing things.

Common doesn't get you anywhere and it certainly doesn't earn you any respect. Only magnanimity does that.

Here's something you can do for me today! Please remember to leave me your comments so I know how to serve you better!! If this was helpful, forward it to a friend. Talk to you soon! Please subscribe and visit me on my Live BIG! Die Empty. Facebook page!!

5/15/12

"The best way to market yourself is to give yourself to the market." ~Jeffrey Gitomer, Sales and Marketing Expert, Multiple Time Bestselling Author, One of the Nation's Leading Keynote Speakers, Multimillionaire Expert Juggernaut, Aggressive Giver of Himself (I think he knows a little bit about the topic.)

The last time I posted this, there was feedback from the other side of the issue. There were a few people suggesting there was no way they could afford to give away ANYTHING for free. Yet, Gitomer would disagree VEHEMENTLY (if you've ever heard him talk)! So maybe the question is how can you shift your mindset and find a way to offer something of value FOR FREE to your customers and prospects?

How did he give it away for free? I remember reading his sales articles years and years ago in he local business chronicle. Every week, there he was. He even offered a free newsletter if you wanted to subscribe for more. I'm pretty sure he wasn't getting paid to write the article but what he was getting is free, worldwide exposure!

How can you? I would suggest thinking about some ways you can offer a small part of what you do for FREE to everyone who is interested. Be fearless. The most important thing is that you capture a way to talk to them later by e-mail or phone. That, my friend, is the key!

By the way, "The Little Green Book of Getting Your Way" by Jeffrey Gitomer is great!!! It's outstanding for any business owner, writer, speaker, presenter...ANYBODY!!! Abraham Lincoln said "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." This is one way I sharpen mine. Nothing's better than a book you can put immediately into practice. I got the audiobook so I can listen while I drive. This will sharpen your communication skills right away with tons and tons of tips. Highly recommended!!!

Got any suggestions for other material to help people sharpen their ax?

5/9/12

Right now is your chance to make a statement about who you are and where you're going. Right now! And the way you do that is by making a declaration. You have the power to define yourself. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" as a wise man once wrote. You'll notice that it is what YOU say about yourself that defines you. The Lord may have designed you for a purpose, but it's still within your power to accept it and walk in it.

Now is the time to STOP accepting determinations about yourself that don't serve you. Instead of saying "I am overweight." say "I am getting in better shape everyday." If you want to improve as a father, begin declaring "I am a caring father" and watch how it transforms you. (By the way, this applies to your internal dialogue, too. Just because you aren't saying these things out loud, doesn't take you off the hook!)

Practice making a new "I am" statement right this moment. What are you? Who are you? Say it and you'll be it!

Please remember to leave me your comments so I know how to serve you better!! If this was helpful, forward it to a friend. Talk to you soon!

5/7/12

Money is not the most important thing in life. Now, having said that so we're all on the same page and -depending upon who you are and your disposition - I acknowledge that it may not even rank in your top ten priorities.

As you read this article, your ranking of your priorities is between you and your God. Just call me "Bennett" 'cause I ain't in it. However, this column is about money and business within the Kingdom context and I will not shy away from the task. Many of the other things that you might classify as important - even more important than money - are much harder to attain without having at least some money available to you when you need it.
To grow and expand in life, we have to have a surplus - more than enough for our immediate needs for food, clothing and shelter. It takes money to provide for your family, to afford a better than perfunctory education, to have the money to give to charitable organizations and your place of worship. The electric company STILL doesn't accept baked goods. I've tried!

My goal, then, is to help you and benefit the kingdom of God by bringing you into a place of abundance. There isn't anything wrong with wanting more or having more. I would suggest to you that any person who doesn't is broken. Not broke, but broken. God designed us to grow and excel. Mediocrity and stagnation are not parts of His orginal design for His creation and we can experience growth in our finances if we heed the structures He's already put in place. As long as the Earth remains, seedtime and harvest will remain.

I've created a collection of advice that I was looking for when I was younger, thin on experience and had not a clue as to how to manage my financial affairs as a Christian, entrepreneur, husband and father. If you are like me, and you're serious about taking your finances from nothing to something to many things, I believe here are nine practical paths to prosperity to which you should adhere.

The "9 Paths to Prosperity" FREE E-mail course is here!! Just enter your name and e-mail address HEREand each of the nine lessons will be delivered to you free of charge. I promise they will bless you!!

Also, as you know, we are told that we have to change the way we think to change our lives. Well, if true, what should we think about and how do we change our thoughts? I've also created a special study called "Change Your Mind" to help you think in ways that are more productive and purposeful using various scriptures from God's word as your guide. I am committed to helping you get to your best place!

Please remember to leave me your comments so I know how to serve you better!! If this was helpful, forward it to a friend. Talk to you soon! Please subscribe and visit me on my Live BIG! Die Empty. Facebook page!!

5/6/12

What if someone finally told you everything you needed to know, understand and look out for before deciding whether you should get a man any of your heart and time? But it's not just about that. It's also about knowing where the man you care about needs to grow so you can help him and pray for him.

For men, too. This is a good guide to assessing YOURSELF and how ready you are for a serious relationship - the kind in which you're free to function properly in your role. Everyone can grow and get better. Just consider this a mirror with some helpful nudges thrown in for good benefit!

JUST CLICK BELOW TO ORDER!

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Well,this is personal. These are the lessons that I learned as I was seeking to grow and (re)develop myself as a man who hoped to become a husband. I needed a lot of work unfortunately. But, fortunately for you, I took good notes along the way!

Here is what one listener said:

"I was finally able to listen to the download. There are no words short of awesome or amazing that can be said in my opinion. Thanks for sharing this with us. I find it helpful in more ways than you will know. I'm viewing this singles thing in a different way now. I don't want to be single for the remainder of my adult life and I am taking all that I have learned in the past and recently into consideration as well as applying the knowledge I have gained so far. Thank you!! Thank you!!!! Thank you!!!!

5/4/12

YOU ASKED FOR IT AND NOW IT'S HERE!!! DON'T MISS THIS CHANCE TO PROPEL YOUR BUSINESS AND LIFE FORWARD!

I am sooooo excited to be bringing you this session! You have no idea!! I've been working on this material for a long time and I'm excited to be delivering it to you NOW!!! I promise you so much information that you can put in place! But not only that... I will be showing and telling in a way that reveals what really works vs. what's a waste of time and money.

This is YOUR chance to truly make yourself stand out from the crowd and learn how to make money from the networks and contacts you already have! It makes no sense to have thousands of contacts and not monetize them on some level!

If you've never heard me teach or been in one of my sessions, I can assure you that you're in for a treat. Great information, great material and great fun with an engaging delivery style. There's nothing dry about my approach and you will get TONS of PRACTICAL things you can put in place in your own business.

Please remember to register, however. That's the only way into the webinar!!

How can you be IMPORTUNATE today? Not even sure what I mean? Keep reading!

"Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his PERSISTENCE he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened." ~Luke 11:5-10 (NASB)

I actually like verse 8 in the KJV a lot more because it uses the word "importunity" instead of "persistence" - and importunity is a powerful word! To be importunate is far beyond being persistent. It is to be troublesome to the point of almost being disrespectful. It is being inappropriate. It is being unbending even though you are undeserving.

An importune person is a person who will not be denied and the Lord says THAT is the way to be when you want something!

Talk to you again soon! I can't wait to hear your testimonies! Please remember to SUBSCRIBE (using the form to the right on this blog!) and also leave me your comments so I know how to serve you better!! If this was helpful, forward it to a friend. Talk to you soon! Please subscribe and visit me on my Live BIG! Die Empty. Facebook page!!